Will GOP win in San Diego mayoral race help party statewide?

Will the election of Republican Kevin Faulconer as mayor of San Diego help the sagging fortunes of the GOP statewide?

Depends on who is talking.

"This was a crucial step forward in our continuing efforts to rebuild the Republican Party from the ground up," said Jim Brulte, chairman of the California Republican Party.

Republican banker Neel Kashkari, who would like to unseat Gov. Jerry Brown, said the Faulconer victory "confirms that Republicans can win in California by promoting positive economic ideas that unite people."

Although a Republican will be mayor, the City Council is controlled by Democrats, including Alvarez, in his first term representing a blue-collar district.

Before Tuesday's election, Democrats held five of nine seats on the council. Once Faulconer becomes mayor and the council appoints an interim council member for his beachfront district, that could change to six of nine if a Democrat is named.